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Ann Arbor, Michigan Bus Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a bus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

Ann Arbor, MichiganBusPopulation rank #231

What to include

  • Buyer and seller names and addresses
  • Bus VIN and vehicle details
  • Sale price and date
  • Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Washtenaw County

DMV / Title Office

MI Secretary of State – Ann Arbor Office

Address

2470 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Phone

(888) 767-6424

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$15.00

Sales Tax Rate

6.00%

Base Registration Fee

$20.00

Michigan statewide rate 6%

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

Michigan does not require notarization.

Ann Arbor Transfer Checklist

  • Title transfer at SOS within 15 days
  • 6% use tax at title transfer
  • Seller must sign title and provide odometer disclosure
  • Both parties should retain a bill of sale copy

County Information — Washtenaw County

County Clerk / Recorder

Washtenaw County Clerk

Phone

(734) 222-6730

Website

https://www.washtenaw.org/clerk

Bus market data and safety information

The most common bus makes in private-party sales are Blue Bird, Thomas Built, IC Bus, Freightliner, Ford (shuttle). Average private-party bus prices range from $5,000–$100,000. Buss average 3.2 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Brakes, Engine, Electrical.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used bus

Before completing a bus bill of sale in Michigan, verify these safety items:

  • Verify DOT inspection history — buses have stricter inspection requirements than passenger vehicles
  • Check emergency exit operation for all doors, windows, and roof hatches
  • Inspect brake system including air brake components and ABS function
  • Test all lighting, stop arms (school bus), and warning systems

Bus insurance and depreciation in Michigan

Bus insurance varies widely — $3,000–$15,000/year depending on use (shuttle, school, tour). Passenger capacity drives premiums. Retired school buses are cheap ($3,000–$10,000) and popular for conversion projects ("skoolies"). Coach buses retain value better. Peak season for private bus sales is summer when school districts auction retired buses, with an average of 45 days on market.

Bus registration and titling

Buss are classified as "Bus or Commercial motor vehicle — CDL required for 16+ passenger capacity" for registration purposes. School buses typically 14,500–36,000 lbs GVWR. Transit and coach buses can exceed 40,000 lbs. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to buss.

Bus sales in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor residents completing a bus bill of sale should be aware of local requirements in addition to Michigan state rules. The state sales tax rate is 6%, flat 6% use tax statewide. The most popular bus makes in Michigan include Blue Bird, Thomas Built, IC Bus.

Michigan bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,419 bill of sale documents for Michigan transactions, with 65 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

Frequently asked questions

What county is Ann Arbor in, and which office handles title transfers?

Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County. Title transfers are handled by the MI Secretary of State – Ann Arbor Office at 2470 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (888) 767-6424.

What is the sales tax rate on a bus sale in Ann Arbor?

The combined rate is 6.00%. Michigan statewide rate 6%.

Is notarization required for a bus bill of sale in Ann Arbor?

No. Michigan does not require notarization.

What fees should I expect when transferring a bus title in Ann Arbor?

Title transfer fee: $15.00. Base registration fee: $20.00. Sales tax at 6.00% is collected at the time of title transfer.